How to Fix Error Code 0×80070002 or 0×80070003, Windows Update

This problem occurs when some files in the update are missing, even though the update is downloaded and extracted successfully. This error then causes old files to be kept and the error to persist.

Instructions

Open the start menu in the search box type services.msc (In XP open run then type)

A new window will open. Right click on Automatic Updates and select stop (If it is already stopped try clicking start and retrying windows update)

Locate the following folder and delete any files/folders inside

C:\windows\SoftwareDistribution

Return to the Services window and start automatic updates service

Try Windows Update again

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12 Comments (Newest on top)

Dale Bailey says:

20/10/2009 at 3:35 am

I followed these steps, attempting to fix the windows error code 80070002. I have followed many steps prescribed by Windows Techs. The automatic updates service is not there. After following all of the steps recommended by the Microsoft Techs, they finally said that I would need to reinstall Vista Home Basic, I ordered new disks from Microsoft, and from Dell. When I run the vista compatibility program from Microsoft’s site, it says that I can run Vista( The original and only operating system on this machine has been Vista Home Basic. When I try to do an upgrade install from both the Dell disks, and the Microsoft provided disks, it says that I have a driver problem with disk drive. I’ve checked at least a half dozen times, and have all updated drivers for everything in my computer. My computer runs fine, other than appearing a little slow, and not being able to do ANY windows updates. It will not connect to the update server, and gives error code 80070002.
I know that I can fix the problem by doing a clean install of Windows, however, I do not want to do that, as I would never be able to find all of the software I have on this system. I’ve reached a point of no return, as all of the prescribed fixes have not helped, and if anything, made my system worse. One final note… every time I boot, it says installing part one of three… never goes beyond 0 percent. When I shut down, it does the same thing.
Can you, or someone you know, please help me.
I can provide any system info you might need, as I have already done so a dozen times, as well as screen captures, for Microsoft.

Reply
- Ben says:
  
  20/10/2009 at 12:01 pm
  
  Backup all your important files! You can never have to many backups.
  
  Then try this:
  
  open start menu, go to all program, then accessories
  *Right* click command prompt and choose ‘ Run as administrator ‘
  Click through the prompts, supplying a password if one exists.
  At the Command Prompt type these commands and press Enter
  after *each one*:
  
  regsvr32 wucltux.dll
  regsvr32 wuaueng.dll
  regsvr32 wups2.dll
  regsvr32 wuapi.dll
  regsvr32 wudriver.dll
  regsvr32 wups.dll
  regsvr32 wuwebv.dll
  exit
  
  Then reboot.
  
  Or try deleting the following file:
  C:\windows\winsxs\pending.xml
  
  as reference here:http://www.vistaforums.com/Forum/Topic13557-9-1.aspx
  
  Reply
Roger says:

27/02/2010 at 6:39 pm

Followed to the letter – had no effect. I have recently had to reinstall windows to the D: drive under WINDOWS1 drive and followed the instructions by deleting software distribution files from there.

Reply
Steve Kirwin says:

30/08/2010 at 10:49 pm

Did what you suggested – didnt help

Reply
Dale Bailey says:

02/09/2010 at 7:24 pm

Yeah, I had to do a clean install of windows… what a pain… almost makes ya wanna go to Mac or Linux.

Reply
Mark says:

05/09/2010 at 2:36 pm

took your advise on solving error code 0×80070003 for windows security update XP KB980232 and it seems to have done the trick. I saved the deleted files on my flash drive just in case they were needed but so far so good. Can’t thank you enough.

Reply